Men's Basketball Falls To Wagner, 75-66

Feb 27, 2009

HAMDEN,
Conn.  James Feldeine (New York, N.Y.) scored a team-high 18
points and grabbed seven rebounds, but the Quinnipiac University
men's basketball team was defeated by Wagner, 75-66, Thursday night
at the TD Banknorth Sports Center. With the loss, the Bobcats fall
to 13-15 (9-8 NEC), while the Seahawks improve to 15-13 (7-10 NEC).

The
Bobcats will begin the NEC Tournament on the road as either the No.
5 or 6 seed, depending on the outcome of Saturday's pairing with
Central Connecticut. A win would clinch a trip to Brooklyn, N.Y.,
to face fourth-seeded Long Island, while a loss would lead to a
match-up at Long Island, Mount St. Mary's or Sacred Heart,
depending on other outcomes around the league.

For
the game, the Seahawks outshot the Bobcats, 47.5 percent (28-59) to
37.9 percent (22-58) from the floor, and 47.4 percent (9-19) to
25.0 percent (4-16) from long range. The Bobcats took a 64.3
percent (18-28) to 55.6 percent (10-18) edge from the free throw
line and a 39-37 advantage on the boards.

The
Bobcats started the game strong, scoring 11 of the first 15 points
to take an early seven-point lead. But the Seahawks battled back to
tie the game at 20-20 with 7:30 remaining in the first half. After
the Bobcats retook a four point lead, 24-20, the Seahawks went on
an 8-0 run, including a pair of Mundweiler three-pointers, and the
Bobcats never again held a lead.

After
trailing by seven at halftime and watching the Seahawks score the
second half's first seven points to establish a 14-point lead,
Quinnipiac battled all the way back to tie the game, 60-60, on
Rutty's jumper in the paint with 4:34 to go in regulation.
Following two T.J. Czeski free throws for Wagner, Geffen connected
on a jumper in the paint to again tie the game at 62-62 with 3:55
remaining.

The
Bobcats attempted a pair of shots that would've given them the
lead, but neither would fall and the Seahawks scored nine of the
next 11 points to put the game out of reach.

The
Bobcats conclude regular-season action Saturday, when they play
host to intrastate conference foe Central Connecticut. Opening tip
of the game regionally-televised on NESN is scheduled for 4:02 p.m.
Prior to the game, the Bobcats will honor their senior class as
part of Senior Day ceremonies.